Rapha says its new Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Jacket is its lightest ever rain jacket, but this might not be as light as one older jacket from the cycling clothing brand.
In a size medium, the brand says the waterproof cycling jacket weighs 128g – on our scales, our size large test sample weighs 135g.
The 7g difference could easily account for a size jump, but it’s worth recalling that Jack Luke weighed a size medium Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Shakedry Jacket at 125g (3g lighter than the new garment), putting the brand’s claim into question.
PFAS-free fabric
Whatever you think about a 3g difference, though, the new jacket features a PFAS-free fabric from Gore, just like the Men’s Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket I reviewed in late 2024.
That said, this comes with a qualifier that Gore’s fabrics are “made without intentionally added per- and poly-fluorinated substances, [but] may contain trace amounts.”
This fabric is claimed to be “new”, and Rapha says it played a key role in the “wear testing process” with Gore.
The fabric has a 3-layer woven ripstop construction which, in combination with an ergonomic fit, Rapha claims makes the jacket comfortable for training and racing in aggressive riding positions.
Initial impressions
Hands-on with the jacket, a square-waffle pattern is visible on the outer fabric. It packs down into a jersey pocket relatively easily as claimed, but the fabric has a crinkly texture.
This means the thinner-feeling Shakedry fabric (which has two layers) feels slightly easier to compress.
The Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Jacket also has a two-way zip, which the brand says will boost airflow when opened from the bottom. This is also how a rider will need to access a pocket, given there are no pockets on the jacket itself.
The jacket uses taped seams on the inside, and has a fleece-backed chin guard (as opposed to a wrap-over zip garage).
We’ll be putting the jacket to the test this spring, to see how it performs versus recently-tested PFAS-free rivals.
The jacket is available from today and costs £295 / $390 / €335.
